Chapter 926

Lily was surprised. She hadn't expected two noble ladies to actually attempt it. Instinctively, she braced herself. A solid wall, seemingly appearing from nowhere, shielded her from the scalding water.

"My goodness!" Celine exclaimed, her eyes wide. She hadn't known Alexander had returned, let alone that he'd intervened, placing himself between Lily and the hot water.

"Alexander!" Margaret cried, a mix of anger and helplessness in her voice. "Haven't you caused enough trouble?"

Alexander's voice was deep, his face impassive. He'd had company meetings, yes, but he also knew his family. After yesterday's cold reception, he'd anticipated Celine's persistence. Predictable, yet ever vigilant, she'd brought his grandmother today. Lily, however, had unexpectedly admitted them. He’d instructed the housekeeper to contact him if problems arose; a brief explanation at work, and he’d returned swiftly—just in time. He’d seen the situation upon entering and reacted instantly.

"Alexander!" Celine's voice trembled. Having splashed him, she saw his damp shirt, revealing his chest. "Are you alright?"

He turned, carefully examining Lily, searching for any injury. Lily was stunned; she hadn’t expected him to rush back and shield her. She noticed redness through his shirt on his stomach.

"You're burning up! Take off your clothes and rinse with cold water!" she said nervously, beginning to unbutton his shirt. Even the slight redness made her fingers tremble, her heart aching.

"It's okay, I'm fine!" He held her hand, his eyes signaling the presence of others.

Lily didn't care who was watching. His injury consumed her thoughts. "No, you have to wash it immediately with cold water, or it'll get worse!" she insisted. She'd been scalded before; untreated, it would worsen, blistering, pustulating, and bleeding. The thought gave her goosebumps.

"I'm fine!" He held her hand firmly, reassuring her that she wasn't hurt. Turning to Celine, he said, "I thought, after yesterday, you'd understand. Apparently not. Since Grandmother's here, excellent. This is Lily. We have a marriage certificate and will wed next month. I won't invite you, and I doubt you'd want to come. It's best you avoid my house altogether." His tone was cold, devoid of emotion.

Margaret stared at him. "Alexander, do you know what you're saying?! I'm your grandmother!"

"You're only here because you're my grandmother and aunt. Otherwise, you'd know the consequences of offending me!" His eyes, now like those of a bloodthirsty wolf, were ominous. They reminded Margaret of her husband, causing her to tremble. She was frightened.

"You..."